David Walliams burgled as he appeared live for Sports Relief show

Little Britain star David Walliams had his house burgled as he was appearing at the live Sports Relief event.

Police believe Mr Walliams, 36, was targeted by criminals who were aware he would be in the studio and that his London mansion was likely to empty.

The comic was appearing on the BBC's Sports Relief telethon on Friday night talking about his well-publicised charity swim across the Gibraltar Straits with rower James Cracknell when the burglars struck.

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David Walliams was talking about his charity swim while his home was burgled

Liverpool FC stars have also had their homes burgled while they were on the pitch.

In December, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard became the sixth player from the club in 18 months to be the victim of burglary.

Mr Walliams discovered the break-in on Saturday morning and has already had new keys cut for the mansion - which was once called Supernova Heights and owned by Noel Gallagher.

It is not yet known the extend of his loss, but police scoured the house for more than five hours searching for clues.

"David was clearly very angry, as you'd expect. There were no obvious signs of a break-in and the house seems to be bristling with security," a neighbour told the Sunday Mirror.

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David Walliams, James Cracknell and friend Greg Whyte swimming for Sports Relief

"It is clearly alarmed and there are grills over all of the windows so the burglars must have known what they were doing to get in."

The comedian cancelled an interview with Jonathan Ross on BBC Radio 2 after learning the news.

Police in Belsize Park, London said: "No arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing."